Enjoy art fairs, the Cherry Blossom Festival, lectures, and more this week. Here are my picks for the weekend and into next week.
Thursday, April 16
“Making History Fun Again Speaker Series” at the legendary Redwood Room will present John Martini, a historian, author, and National Park Service ranger, who is a respected authority on the Big Earthquake and Fire. The monthly program is designed to bring the city’s colorful history to life, “while connecting generations through storytelling, culture, and spirited conversation.” Themed specialty cocktails will also be available for purchase like a Pisco Punch, martinis (including one with a nod to the Buena Vista), and one called Maiden Lane. 6 p.m. at The Clift Hotel. Free with RSVP here.
The 14th edition of the San Francisco Art Fair aims to bring together a cross-section of modern and contemporary art and will feature over 80 leading galleries from around the world in addition to public programming. This year’s fair will focus on the cultural contributions of the AAPI communities to support the creative impact of immigrants and the AAPI community. Watch for the Voice’s coverage of the fair next week. Through Sunday at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion. Tickets from $35.
Friday, April 17
Spend your midday break at Friday Park Yoga: Flowing In Nature, (featured as part of S.F. Climate Week). Enjoy music and guidance through wireless headphones to enhance your immersive experience. Following the class will be an optional group conversation. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park. Tickets: $20
I love the concept of the Startup Art Fair where the hotel rooms are turned into individual galleries — it’s so clever. Browse over 80 independent artists from Mexico and South America to Europe and China while enjoying food, drinks, and poolside music. Through Sunday. Tickets from $17.
Saturday, April 18
If you didn’t catch the 58th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown last weekend, it’s still on this weekend, with numerous cultural programs and the Grand Parade on Sunday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Post Street (between Laguna and Fillmore streets), Free admission.
When the Fisher family loaned over 700 works from their private collection to SFMOMA, part of the agreement stipulated that the museum would display a representative selection every 10 years in an exclusive exhibition. Reimagined: The Fisher Collection at 10 opens today, spanning four floors of the museum and featuring nearly 250 artworks in galleries designed to deepen the viewer’s connection to the art and artists. Special opening weekend activities include dance and music performances, among others. Tickets from $23.
The weather forecast looks great for Saturday, so brewski lovers will want to check out the Bay Area Brew Fest, featuring over 70 breweries offering hundreds of beers (you don’t need to taste every one), food trucks, live music, and more. Noon to 4 p.m. on the Presidio Main Parade Lawn. Tickets from $73 and change.
Sunday, April 19
If you’re dealing with stress, burnout, and anxiety (and who isn’t), you’ll want to attend Why We Suffer and How We Heal with Dr. Suzan Song. Dr. Song is a Harvard- and Stanford-trained psychiatrist and medical anthropologist who will share three tools to “heal the human psyche.” 4 p.m. at Manny’s. Tickets: $9 and change.
Notable next week
Tuesday, April 20
The universe has the Lyrids meteor shower happening tonight for you. It’s one of the oldest, first cited in 687 B.C. by the Chinese, and known for being particularly bright and fast. There will be little interference from the thin crescent moon this year; best viewing is after midnight through dawn Wednesday in the northeast sky. Free.
Wednesday, April 22
For a perfect way to spend Hump Day, Pinot & Pizza might be the ticket. Sample a lineup of artisan sourdough pizzas and Pinot selections to discover your favorite pairing, then cast your vote. 6 p.m. at Boudin Bakery. Tickets: $23 and change.
Enjoy your out and about-ing and be safe and kind to each other.
